Dash lenses? Change update?
Thread Starter
Parts Sherpa
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 98
From: ICE boneyard, Pa
Dash lenses? Change update?
Are there any pluses or minuses to replace the spedo tachometer and center console gauge cluster with new lenses?
Its apart so now would be the time to put a nice clear set in.
Its apart so now would be the time to put a nice clear set in.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C3,
If the lenses seem to be scratched or marred enough for you to notice it, NOW would be the time to replace them.
It's an easy job if the driver's side pad and gauges, and center gauges, are already apart.
Regards,
Alan
Be very careful as you put things back together so that you don't have any finger prints on the inside of the lenses or dust on the face of the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.
You might think about replacing the lenses on the heater/defroster control too. That a pretty straight forward job if you have the center gauge cluster out.
If the lenses seem to be scratched or marred enough for you to notice it, NOW would be the time to replace them.
It's an easy job if the driver's side pad and gauges, and center gauges, are already apart.
Regards,
Alan
Be very careful as you put things back together so that you don't have any finger prints on the inside of the lenses or dust on the face of the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.
You might think about replacing the lenses on the heater/defroster control too. That a pretty straight forward job if you have the center gauge cluster out.
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 26, 2018 at 03:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Not this may matter to some. But when you look at the reproduction small gauge lens. It may not be perfectly flat where the lens goes flat across the gauge. I have seen them have a quite warbly/orange-peely look to them.
As for the speedo and tach lenses....they are fine.
And NOW is time and you won't regret it.
DUB
As for the speedo and tach lenses....they are fine.
And NOW is time and you won't regret it.
DUB
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
I made this change to the center console and discovered the new lenses were clear but as DUB mentioned, the reflection off the front face was wavy. It might not bother you but I expected better.
Last edited by ignatz; Apr 26, 2018 at 09:00 PM. Reason: DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the present lens-plate has no damage, you could just re-polish the gauge lenses and put it back together.
Just musing to myself: Why does everyone want to replace the original parts if they merely have cosmetic problems? Replacement parts are generally of MUCH lower construction quality and cost MONEY to purchase them. If the existing part is functional, just refurb it!!
Just musing to myself: Why does everyone want to replace the original parts if they merely have cosmetic problems? Replacement parts are generally of MUCH lower construction quality and cost MONEY to purchase them. If the existing part is functional, just refurb it!!
Last edited by 7T1vette; Apr 27, 2018 at 01:24 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi EC,
I used Meguiar's #17 Clear Plastic Cleaner and #18 Clear Plastic Detailer on the original lenses for my 71 and was pleased with the results.
As I said, be very careful when you reassemble that you don't end up with a piece of fuzz on the lens or gauge face.
Regards,
Alan
I used Meguiar's #17 Clear Plastic Cleaner and #18 Clear Plastic Detailer on the original lenses for my 71 and was pleased with the results.
As I said, be very careful when you reassemble that you don't end up with a piece of fuzz on the lens or gauge face.
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I also prefer to clean and polish the lenses when possible. Sometimes sanding on them is needed due to bad scratches. But the owner always has the option. Because if I spend an hour restoring this lens. That alone in itself costs more than putting new one in that does not matter to them. I guess it may also boil down to how much you value your time ...obtaining the products needed tor restore it....and the importance of the perfection of this particular part.
I know it may not be seen by others. But the new small gauge lens is not quite there in my opinion but it does work and the average person is not going to see what some of us pick up in how well it is made.
DUB
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Thread Starter
Parts Sherpa
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 98
From: ICE boneyard, Pa
If the present lens-plate has no damage, you could just re-polish the gauge lenses and put it back together.
Just musing to myself: Why does everyone want to replace the original parts if they merely have cosmetic problems? Replacement parts are generally of MUCH lower construction quality and cost MONEY to purchase them. If the existing part is functional, just refurb it!!
Just musing to myself: Why does everyone want to replace the original parts if they merely have cosmetic problems? Replacement parts are generally of MUCH lower construction quality and cost MONEY to purchase them. If the existing part is functional, just refurb it!!
Last edited by EarlyC34me; Apr 27, 2018 at 01:10 PM.